Auto Repair Encyclopedia
Steering Rack Replacement
Sometimes referred to as Steering Rack, Replace Steering Rack, Steering Rack Replace
The steering wheel is attached to the steering rack by the steering shaft. When the steering wheel is turned, the steering rack interprets the directional input and pushes or pulls the front wheels in the desired direction. The steering rack is secured to the chassis.
To replace the steering rack, the steering shaft and steering tie rod ends must be removed (power steering lines must be removed if the vehicle is equipped with power steering). Hardware securing the steering rack to the chassis is removed, and the steering rack is removed from the vehicle. After the new steering rack is installed, the wheel alignment will need to be checked and adjustments made if necessary.
The steering rack boots must remain intact to prevent debris from entering the steering rack. This prevents premature wear of the steering rack and ensures steering precision.
The fluid level in a power steering system should not require topping up. If the fluid level requires topping up, this is a sign of a leak that needs to be investigated. If the power steering system is allowed to operate with a low fluid level, damage may occur.
About this Repair: Steering Rack Replacement
What to watch out for
Problems with the power steering control module (where applicable) can imitate problems with the steering rack. Be sure that the problem has been properly diagnosed before replacing an expensive steering rack.
Recommendations
We recommend that the front end of the vehicle be aligned after the replacement of a steering rack.
We recommend that the power steering system be flushed along with the steering rack replacement.
Why this happens
A failing steering rack may clunk when turning or when going over bumps.
Turning easily in one direction but with difficulty in the other is an indication of a problem with the steering rack.
